Portable speaker system for electric string instruments

ABSTRACT

A portable speaker system for an electric string instrument such as a guitar. The portable speaker system has a housing including an audio jack for receiving a raw audio signal from a guitar, an amplifier, a speaker, and a power supply. The portable speaker system attaches to the guitar by a button connector which releasably attaches to a strap button of the guitar, and a stabilizer for inhibiting rotation of the portable speaker system when attached to the guitar. The portable speaker system portably generates output sound from the raw audio signal. The portable speaker system can couple with a portable computing device, which can process the raw audio signal and provide a supplementary audio signal, from which the portable speaker system can portably generate output sound.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. 62/343,039, filed May 30, 2016,and U.S. 62/411,760, filed Oct. 24, 2016, the entirety of which isincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present invention relates to musical instrument accessories and inparticular to a portable speaker system for electric string instruments.

BACKGROUND

Electric string instruments such as electric guitars, electric bassguitars, and the like, are restricted in their portability by therequirement that an amplifier and speaker system is required forgenerating output sound from the instrument when the instrument isplayed. Known amplifiers and speaker systems are not easily portablebecause of their typically large size and their requirement to beconnected to an electric power source. Users of electric stringinstruments have therefore not enjoyed the portability of their acousticcounterparts.

Electric string instruments with built-in speaker systems and powersupplies exist, however, do not help the user who wishes to portably useone's own preferred electric string instrument of choice. Retrofitting apreferred electric string instrument of choice with built-in speakers isexpensive, burdensome, and drastically alters the instrument. Suchdrastic alterations are especially not preferred for high-qualitycollectible instruments. Separate portable speaker units provide somedegree of portability to a user, but the user is still tethered to thespeaker unit while playing, and is unable to be mobile with the separatespeaker unit while playing the instrument.

For users wishing to add supplementary audio or processing to the soundof one's preferred electric string instrument, by means of a portablecomputing device, the portability challenge is compounded by therequirement of the guitar, the speaker, and the portable computingdevice to remain connected while playing the instrument.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of an embodiment, a portable speaker system foran electric string instrument is provided. The portable speaker systemincludes a housing, which includes an audio jack for receiving an audioplug, the audio plug providing a raw audio signal generated by theelectric string instrument when played by a user, an amplifier coupledto the audio jack and configured to receive an audio signal and amplifythe audio signal to generate an amplified audio signal, the audio signalcomprising one of the raw audio signal and a processed raw audio signal,a speaker coupled to the amplifier and configured to receive theamplified audio signal and generate output sound from the amplifiedaudio signal, and a power supply coupled to the amplifier and speakerfor powering the amplifier and speaker. The portable speaker system alsoincludes a button connector disposed on the housing for releasablyattaching to a strap button of the electric string instrument to attachthe portable speaker system to a body of the electric string instrument,and a stabilizer extending from the attachment module for inhibitingrotation of the portable speaker system when the portable speaker systemis attached to the electric string instrument.

The portable speaker system may further include a supplementary audioconnection coupled to the amplifier and a portable computing device, thesupplementary audio connection for receiving a supplementary audiosignal from the portable computing device, wherein the amplifier isconfigured to receive the audio signal comprising the raw audio signaland the supplementary audio signal.

The portable speaker system may further include a supplementary audioconnection coupled to the amplifier and a portable computing device, thesupplementary audio connection for forwarding the raw audio signal tothe portable computing device for processing, and for receiving theprocessed raw audio signal from the portable computing device, whereinthe audio signal comprises the processed raw audio signal.

The portable speaker system may further include an electrical bypass forselectively providing one of the raw audio signal and the processed rawaudio signal to the amplifier.

The portable speaker system may further include a mounting mechanismmount attached to the housing of the portable speaker system, themounting mechanism including a holder for securely holding, the portablecomputing device therein.

The mounting mechanism may be detachable from the housing of theportable speaker system.

The mounting mechanism may be integral with the stabilizer, and thestabilizer extends along a portion of the body of the when the portablespeaker system is attached to the guitar.

The button connector may be disposed on a bottom of the housing, thestabilizer may be pivotally connected to the housing, the stabilizer maybe pivotable between an open position which the stabilizer overlaps aportion of the body of the guitar to inhibit rotation of the portablespeaker system when the portable speaker system is attached to theguitar, and a closed position in which the supporting member is adjacentto the housing of the portable speaker system when the portable speakersystem is not attached to the guitar.

The stabilizer provides a stand for the portable speaker system when thestabilizer is in its closed position.

The stabilizer may be elastically biased against the portion of the bodyof the guitar when the portable speaker system is attached to theguitar.

The supplementary audio connection may comprise a wireless audioconnection.

According to another aspect of an embodiment, a portable speaker systemfor a guitar is provided. The system includes a portable computingdevice, an portable speaker system for the guitar, the portable speakersystem including a housing, the housing including an audio jack forreceiving an audio plug, the audio plug providing a raw audio signalgenerated by the guitar, an amplifier coupled to the audio jack andconfigured to receive an audio signal and amplify the audio signal togenerate an amplified audio signal, the audio signal comprising one ofthe raw audio signal and a processed raw audio signal, a speaker coupledto the amplifier and configured to receive the amplified audio signaland generate output sound from the amplified audio signal, and a powersupply coupled to the amplifier and speaker for powering the amplifierand speaker. The portable speaker system includes an attachmentmechanism for releasably attaching the portable speaker system to theguitar and for inhibiting rotation of the portable speaker system whenthe portable speaker system is attached to the guitar, a portablecomputing device mount extending from the housing of the portablespeaker system for securing the portable computing device in fixedrelation to the guitar, and a supplementary audio connection coupled tothe amplifier and the portable computing device, the supplementary audioconnection for forwarding one of the processed raw audio signal and asupplementary audio signal to the amplifier.

The supplementary audio connection may be configured to receive asupplementary audio signal generated by the portable computing deviceand wherein the audio signal comprises the raw audio signal and thesupplementary audio signal.

The supplementary audio connection may be configured to forward the rawaudio signal to the portable computing device for processing and toreceive the processed raw audio signal from the portable computingdevice, and wherein the audio signal comprises the processed raw audiosignal.

The portable speaker system may include a button connector on thehousing for releasably attaching to a strap button of the guitar toattach the portable speaker system to a body of the guitar, and asupporting member extending from the portable speaker system forinhibiting rotation of the portable speaker system when the portablespeaker system is attached to the guitar.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will now be described,by way of example only, with reference to the attached Figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a portable speaker system forattachment an electric string instrument in accordance with anembodiment;

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the portable speaker system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the portable speaker system of FIG.1;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the portable speaker system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the portable speaker system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a front view of the portable speaker system of FIG. 1 attachedto a guitar and coupled with a portable computing device, according to anon-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a partial rear view of the portable speaker system of FIG. 1,attached to the guitar shown in FIG. 6 and coupled with the portablecomputing device shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the portable speaker system of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of a portable speaker system in accordancewith another embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of another embodiment of aportable speaker system attached to a guitar and coupled with a portablecomputing device;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a portablespeaker system; and

FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of the portable speaker system ofFIG. 11 having a strap button from a guitar inserted therein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For simplicity and clarity of illustration, reference numerals may berepeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogouselements. Numerous details are set forth to provide an understanding ofthe embodiments described herein. The embodiments may be practicedwithout these details. In other instances, well-known methods,procedures, and components have not been described in detail to avoidobscuring the embodiments described. The description is not to beconsidered as limited to the scope of the embodiments described herein.

The present disclosure generally relates to a portable speaker systemfor attachment to a body of an electric string instrument, such as forexample, an electric guitar (hereinafter referred to simply as a guitar)without interfering with the ability of a user to play the electricstring instrument. The portable speaker system can be connected to anoutput plug of the electrical string instrument using, for example, anaudio cable, to receive raw audio signals from the electric stringinstrument to the portable speaker system when the electric stringinstrument is played. The portable speaker system also includes anamplifier configured to amplify raw audio signals received from theelectric string instrument when the electric string instrument is playedby a user, and one or more speakers configured to receive the amplifiedaudio signals and generate sound from the amplified audio signals.

The portable speaker system may also include a mount for a portablecomputing device for receiving raw audio signals from the portablespeaker system, and for optionally providing supplemental audio to theportable speaker system that can be combined with the raw audio signalsreceived from the electric string instrument when played. The portablespeaker system may also be connected to the portable computing device,using for example, an electrical cable, to route raw audio signalsreceived from the electric string instrument when played to the portablecomputing device. The portable computing device processes the raw audiosignals or modulates the raw audio signals to add supplementary audiothe raw audio signals and transmits the processed raw audio signals, orthe modulated to the portable speaker for amplification by the amplifierand generating sound using the one or more speakers.

FIGS. 1 to 5 show an example embodiment of a portable speaker system 100for attachment to an electrical string instrument. In the followingdescription, the portable speaker system 100 (referred to hereinafter assystem 100) is attachable to an electric guitar 200 (referred tohereinafter as guitar 200) as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The system 100,however, may be attachable to and used with any suitable electric stringinstrument, such as for example, an electric bass guitar, a hybridelectric-acoustic guitar, an electric ukulele, and the like.

The system 100 includes a housing 102 having a top 104, a bottom 106, afront 108, and a back 110. The bottom 106 of the housing 102 includes aguitar attachment portion 112 comprising a guitar attachment mechanism114 for releasably attaching the system 100 to a body 202 of the guitar200. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 5, the guitar attachmentmechanism 114 is a button connector that includes a recess 116 shapedand sized to receive and retain a strap button 201 of the guitar 200therein. The strap button 201 has a shaft 203 and a flange 205, as shownin FIG. 12. The recess 116 is key-shaped and includes an enlargedportion 118 having a first diameter, and a narrow portion 120 having asecond diameter that is less than the first diameter of the enlargedportion 118. The diameter of the enlarged portion 118 of the recess 116is greater than a diameter of the flange 205 of the strap button 201 sothat the strap button 201 passes through the enlarged portion 118 of therecess 116. The diameter of the narrow portion 120 of the recess 116 isless than the diameter of the flange 205 of the strap button 201. Thenarrow portion 120 of the recess 116 is shaped and size to engage withthe shaft 203 of the strap button 201 to securely attach the housing 102of the system 100 to the guitar 200.

The system 100 also includes a stabilizer 122 for inhibiting rotation ofthe system 100 when the system 100 is attached to the guitar 200 asdescribed in further detail below. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 toFIG. 5, the stabilizer 122 includes a base 126, a spring hinge 128, anda plate 130. The base 126 is coupled to the bottom 106 of the housing102 proximate the back 110 of the housing 102 and extends away from thebottom 106 of the housing 102. The plate 130 is pivotally connected tothe base 126 by the spring hinge 128. The plate 130 of the stabilizer122 pivots between an open position (FIG. 3) in which the plate 130extends away from the bottom of the housing 102 substantiallyperpendicular to the bottom 106 of the housing 102, and a closedposition (FIG. 4) in which the plate 130 is adjacent to the guitarattachment portion 112 and a front surface 132 of the plate 130 facesthe guitar attachment portion 112. The spring hinge 128 provides aspring force that biases the plate 130 into the closed position.

In some embodiments, when the plate 130 is in the closed position, thefront surface 132 of the plate 130 is spaced from the guitar attachmentportion 112. In alternative embodiments, when the plate 130 is in theclosed position, the front surface 132 of the plate 130 abuts or restsagainst the guitar attachment portion 112. Also, in some embodiments,when the plate 130 is in the closed position, the plate 130 covers therecess 116 in the guitar attachment portion 112.

In some embodiments, the plate 130 includes a compressible soft material134, such as for example, rubber for engaging with the body 202 (FIG. 6)of the guitar 200 and for protecting the body 202 of the guitar 200 fromscratching when the system 100 is attached to the guitar 200. Thecompressible soft material 134 is mounted on the front face of the plate130 and may be any suitable material that protects the body 202 of theguitar 200 from scratching, such as, for example, rubber.

Referring again to FIG. 1 to FIG. 5, the system 100 also includes amounting mechanism 150 for attaching a portable computing device 300(FIG. 7) to the system 100. The mounting mechanism 150 is attachable tothe bottom 106 of the housing 102 of the system 100 and detachabletherefrom as described in further detail below. The mounting mechanism150 includes an articulating arm 152 and a holder 154. The articulatingarm 152 includes a fixed portion 156 and a rotating portion 158 that iscoupled to the fixed portion 156 and rotates about an axis that extendsalong the fixed portion 156 to adjust a position of the holder 154 ofthe mounting mechanism 150 relative to the housing 102 of the system100.

The holder 154 is coupled to the rotating portion 158 of thearticulating arm 152. The holder 154 is shaped and dimensioned toreceive and securely retain the portable computing device 300 therein.The holder 154 includes a fixed end 159 and a gripper 161 for securingretaining the portable computing device 300 in the holder 154. Thegripper 161 is moveable relative to the fixed end 159 to adjust adistance between the fixed end 159 and the gripper 161 to enableportable computing devices of varying size to be inserted into theholder 154 and to securely retained therein. The gripper 161 can bespring-loaded to apply a force against an edge of a portable computingdevice 300 when the portable computing device 300 is interested into theholder 154 to securely retain the portable computing device 300 in theholder 154.

The articulating arm 152 also including a locking mechanism 165 forlocking the rotating portion 158 to the fixed portion 156 when theholder 154 is in a desired position relative to the housing 102 of thesystem 100. The locking mechanism 165 may be any suitable lockingmechanism, such as for example, a thumb screw that applies friction tolock the rotating portion 158 to the fixed portion 156.

As mentioned above, the mounting mechanism 150 is attachable to anddetachable from the housing 102. Referring to FIG. 2, the bottom 106 ofthe housing 102 includes a first mounting slot 160 and a second mountingslot 162. The first mounting slot 160 is shaped and dimensioned toreceive a first end 164 of the fixed portion 156 of the articulating arm152 and to attach the mounting mechanism 150 to the housing 102.

In FIG. 2, the mounting mechanism 150 is shown inserted into the secondmounting slot 162 which, on right-handed guitars, is closer to a userwhen the system 100 is attached to the guitar 200 and the guitar 200 isbeing played by a user. Thus, when the first end 164 of the fixedportion 156 of the mounting mechanism 150 is attached to the secondmounting slot 162. In the present embodiment, the mounting mechanism 150can be detached from the second mounting slot 162 by disengaging thefirst end 164 of the fixed portion 156 from the second mounting slot 162and inserting the first end 164 of the fixed portion 156 into the firstmounting slot 160. The first mounting slot 160 and the second mountingslot 162 enable a user to adjust a position of the mounting mechanism150 on the system 100 so that when the system 100 is attached to theguitar 200, the holder 154 can positioned over the body 202 of theguitar 200 so as to not interfere with the user's ability to play theguitar 200.

The system 100 also includes an audio port 166 disposed on the bottom106 of the housing 102 for electrically coupling the system 100 to theguitar 200 as described in further detail below. The system 100 alsoincludes a supplemental audio port 168 for electrically coupling thesystem 100 to the portable electronic device 300 as described in furtherdetail below.

Referring to FIG. 5, the system 100 also includes multiple internalcomponents that are disposed in the housing 102, including an amplifier170, speakers 172-1, 172-2 (referred to generically hereinafter asspeaker 172 and collectively as speakers 172), an electrical bypass 176,a communication interface 178, and a battery 180.

The electrical bypass 176 is coupled to a bypass switch 182, the audioport 166 and a bypass switch 182. The amplifier 170 is also coupled tosupplemental audio port 168, and the speakers 172. The amplifier isconfigured to receive audio signals and amplify the audio signals asdescribed in further detail below. The speakers 172 are configured toreceive amplified audio signals from the amplifier 170 and generateoutput sound from the amplified audio signals as described in furtherdetail below.

The communication interface 178 is coupled to a communication interfaceswitch 184 and amplifier 170. The battery 180 is coupled to theamplifier 170, the speakers 172, and the communication interface 178 tosupply power to these components of the system 100. The battery 180 canbe a rechargeable battery and is coupled to a charging port 186 forattachment to an external power supply for charging the battery 180. Thecharging port 186 can be a universal serial bus (USB) charging port orany other suitable charging port for supplying power to the battery 180.Optionally, the system 100 may include a power indicator light (notshown), for displaying a power level of the battery 180.

Reference is now made to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 to describe the attachment ofthe system 100 to the guitar 200. As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, theguitar 200 includes a body 202 that has a curved shaped. The body 202includes a front surface 204, a back surface 206 (FIG. 7), a first end208, a second end 210, and an audio output port 212 into which a firstaudio plug 402 of an audio cable 400 can be inserted into. The audiocable 400 also includes a second audio plug 404 for insertion into theaudio port 166 of the system 100 (see FIG. 3) to electrically couple thesystem 100 to the guitar 200. A supplemental audio cable 410 thatincludes a first audio plug 412 for insertion into the supplementalaudio port 168 of the system 100 and a second audio plug 414 forinsertion into an audio port 302 of the portable computing device 300 toelectrically couple the system 100 to the portable computing device 300.

To accommodate a wide variety of shapes and contours in the body 202,the system 100 attaches to the guitar 200 via a strap button 201 (FIG.12) of the guitar 200. The system 100 can be attached to guitars ofvarious sizes and shapes. To attach the system 100 to the guitar 200,the plate 130 of the stabilizer 122 is pivoted to the open position suchthat the front surface 132 of the plate 130 is generally parallel withthe back 110 of the housing 102. The first end 208 of the guitar 200 isinserted between the front surface 132 of the stabilizer 122 and themounting mechanism 150 such that the stabilizer 122 rests against theback surface 206 of the guitar 200 and the articulating arm 152 of themounting mechanism 150 is adjacent to the front surface 204 of theguitar 200. The strap button 201, which is disposed on the first end 208of the guitar 200, is inserted into the enlarged portion 118 of therecess 116 and the shaft 203 of the snap button 203 is slid into thenarrow portion 120 of the recess 116 to engage therewith. With the strapbutton 201 engaged with the narrow portion 120 of the recess 116, andthe plate 130 of the stabilizer 122 extending along and biased againstthe back surface 206 of the guitar 200, the system 100 is attached tothe guitar 200 and inhibited from rotation about the strap button 201.The shape of the recess 116 inhibits the shaft 203 of the strap button201 from slipping out of the narrow portion 120 of the recess 116. Also,the stabilizer 122, when resting against the back surface 206 of theguitar 200, inhibits rotation of the system 100 because the plate 130abuts the back surface 206 of the guitar 200 when the system 100 rotatesabout the strap button 201. The system 100 can be attached to the guitar200 using one hand with the other hand holding the guitar 200.

The system 100 can be detached from the guitar 200 by angling the guitar200 relative to the system 100 such that the strap button 201 iswithdrawn from the enlarged portion 118 of the recess 116. The plate 130of the stabilizer 122 can then be pivoted into the closed position forcompact storage or to be used as a stand. It will be appreciated thatthe shape of the housing 102 enables the system 100 to be attachable toa wide variety of electric string instruments of different shapes andsizes.

The operation of the system 100 will now be described in detail. Whenthe guitar 200 is played by a user, the guitar 200 generates raw audiosignals that are output on the audio output port 212 of the guitar 200,transmitted to the system 100 over the audio cable 400, and received atthe system 100 at the audio port 166. In the present embodiment, thesystem 100 can be configured to operate in three differentconfigurations: raw configuration, wired configuration, and wirelessconfiguration.

In the raw configuration, raw audio signals generated by guitar 200 arereceived at audio port 166 via the audio cable 400 when the guitar 200is played. The raw audio signal passes through the electrical bypass176, which allows raw audio signals to pass directly to the amplifier170. The raw audio signals are amplified by the amplifier 170. Theamplified raw audio signals are received by the speaker 172 whichgenerate output sound from the amplified raw audio signals. In rawconfiguration, the system 100 operates without an electrical connectionto the portable computing device 300 to produce a clean unaltered soundfrom the guitar 200. Raw configuration can be activated by actuation ofthe bypass switch 182, which configures the electrical bypass to routethe raw audio signals directly to the amplifier 170. In the rawconfiguration, the raw audio signals generated by the guitar when playedare amplified and output without the need for the portable computingdevice 300.

In wired configuration, raw audio signals are generated by guitar 200are received at audio port 166 via the audio cable 400 when the guitar200 is played. In wired configuration, electrical bypass 176 routes theraw audio signals to the supplemental audio port 168 for transmission tothe portable computing device 300. The portable computing device 300receives the raw audio signals at the audio port 302. The portablecomputing device 300 can execute an audio processing application toprocess, modulate, or otherwise modified the raw audio signals byexecuting instructions of an audio processing application running on theportable computing device 300. For example, instructions of the audioprocessing application running on the portable computing device 300 mayadd supplementary audio stored in the portable computing device 300,such as a background drum beat or support instrumentals to the raw audiosignals to form processed raw audio signals. The processed raw audiosignals are then transmitted from the portable computing device 300 andreceived at the supplemental audio port 168 and provided to theamplifier 170. The processed raw audio signals are amplified by theamplifier into amplified audio signals, which are then routed to thespeakers 172 to generate output sound. The portable computing device 300can record and store in memory the raw audio signals received from thesystem 100.

In wireless configuration, a raw audio signal generated by guitar 200when the guitar is played is received at audio jack 138. Thecommunication interface 178 establishes a wireless connection with theportable computing device 300, which serves as a supplementary audioconnection comprising a wireless audio connection. A supplementary audiosignal is generated by the portable computing device 300 and received bycommunication interface 178. The raw audio signal received from theguitar 200 and the supplementary audio signal received from the portablecomputing device 300 are then combined into the processed raw audiosignal, and amplified by the amplifier 170 into an amplified audiosignal, which is then provided to the speakers 172 to generate outputsound. In some embodiments in which the communication interface 178comprises a Bluetooth® module, wireless configuration can be reversiblyactivated by use of the communication interface switch 184, which whenactuated, establishes a Bluetooth® connection. However, in someembodiments, the Bluetooth® pairing could take place automatically whena paired device is nearby, obviating the need for the communicationinterface switch 184.

The system 100 also includes a headphone port 188 disposed on the top104 of the housing 102. Audio signals output from the amplifier 170 canbe routed to the headphone port 188 instead of speakers 172, therebyallowing a user to listen to the output sound for quiet operation

The portable computing device 300 can be any suitable portableelectronic computing device having audio input and output capability andhaving an input device such as a touch screen for user interaction withthe portable computing device 300, running an audio processingapplication or software for processing raw audio signal received fromthe system 100 and/or for supplying supplementary audio signals to thesystem 100 via the supplemental audio cable 410 and the supplementalaudio port 168. In addition to sound processing, the portable computingdevice 300 can also run an application or software that assists a userin playing the instrument, such as, for example, software that displays,on the touchscreen display of the portable computing device, tabulatureor musical notation of the song being played. The portable computingdevice 300 may be a smartphone running an operating system such as, forexample, Android®, iPhone®, Windows® mobile, BB 10, or a suitably sizedtablet, a personal digital assistant (PDA), and the like.

Although in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the portablecomputing device 300 is shown as being electrically coupled to thesystem 100 using the supplemental audio cable 410, specifically aone-eighth inch audio cable as is commonly used by portable computingdevices, the portable computing device 300 can also be connected to thesystem 100 through other wired means such as USB, or through a wirelessconnection, such as a Bluetooth® connection, Wi-Fi connection, or othersuitable means for transfer of audio signals.

Although in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the guitar 200 isshown as being electrically coupled to the portable speaker system 100using the audio cable 400, specifically a one-fourth inch audio cable asis commonly used in electric guitars and electric bass guitars, it iscontemplated that other means for transferring raw audio signals fromthe guitar 200 to the system 100 may be employed and made compatiblewith the system 100.

In some embodiments, the front 108 includes a speaker grill which coversthe front 106 of the housing 102. The speaker grill can include 108 abrand logo or other message viewable to an audience when the system 100is attached to the guitar 200.

Referring again to FIG. 1 to FIG. 5, the system 100 also includes avolume control knob 190 for controlling a volume of sound generated bythe system 100 and for serving as an on/off switch for the system 100.

In other embodiments, the housing 102 and the guitar attachment portion112 of the portable speaker system 100 are shaped to conform around anupper strap button (not shown) positioned near an upper edge 214 of theguitar 200. However, given the contours of conventional guitar aroundthis upper strap button, the system 100 be shaped to conform to the lessangular contours of the body 202 of the guitar 200 near the strap button201 at a lower edge 216 of the guitar 200. In the present embodiment,therefore, the housing 102 is generally shaped as a rectangular prism.However, in other embodiments, whether connecting to the strap button201 or another strap button, the shape of the housing 102 may be anyother suitable shape, provided the shape is compatible with the contoursof the body 202 of the guitar 200 around the strap button to which theportable speaker system 100 is attached.

In addition to the embodiments shown in the Figures, other guitarattachment mechanisms 114 having button connectors such as clasps andsockets are contemplated, and other stabilizers such as support rods,brackets, and grips, are contemplated. In some embodiments, thestabilizer may not be engaged against the body of the guitar, such as,for example, in the case of a thumb screw or other means for impingingon the strap button to inhibit rotation of the portable speaker system.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 to 10, another example embodiment of a portablespeaker system 500 is shown. In the description below, referencenumerals which are in common with those used with respect to theportable speaker system 100, are considered to refer to elements whichare the same as those described in those embodiments.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 to FIG. 10, the portable speakersystem 500 includes an integrated stabilizer and portable computingdevice holder 516 (hereinafter referred to as holder 516). The holder516 extends away from the bottom 106 of the housing 102 and is integralwith the top 104 of the housing 102 of the portable speaker system 500.

The holder 516 comprises base plates 510, a slideable tab 512, and track514. Between the base plates 510 and the slideable tab 512 is a spacefor inserting the portable computing device 300. A distance between theslideable tab 512 and base plates 510 is adjustable by moving theslideable tab 512 along the track 514 to enable variously sized portablecomputing devices 300 to be inserted into the holder 516. The slideabletab 512 slides along the track 514, and is biased by a biasing means,such as a spring, toward the base plates 510, such that when theportable computing device 300 is inserted between the slideable tab 512,the slideable tab 512 applies a force against edges of the portablecomputing device 300 when the portable computing device 300 is insertedin the space therebetween. In use, the holder 516 inhibits rotation ofthe portable speaker system 500 when the portable speaker system 500 isattached to the guitar 200 while simultaneously providing a mountingmechanism for attaching a portable computing device.

The portable speaker system 500 also includes locking arms 518 disposedwithin recess 502 for attaching to a strap button 201 of a guitar 200.The locking arms 518 provide a variation of button connector 140 forreleasably attaching with strap button 201 of the guitar 200 to attachthe portable speaker system 500 to the guitar 200.

The holder 516 extends along a portion of the body 202 of the guitar200, in this case the front surface 204 of the guitar 200, generally inparallel with the front surface 204 of the guitar, when the portablespeaker system 500 is attached to the guitar 200. The holder 516inhibits rotation of the portable speaker system 500 when the portablespeaker system 500 is attached to the guitar 200 because the holder 516abuts the front surface 204 of the guitar 200 when the portable speakersystem 500 rotates about the strap button 201.

The portable speaker system 500 further comprises padding 504 situatedon the bottom 106 of the housing 102 to cushion contact of the portablespeaker system 500 against the guitar 200 when the portable speakersystem 500 is attached to the guitar 200. The padding 504 can be made ofsuitably soft material, such as rubber, for protecting the guitar 200from scratching when the portable speaker system 500 is attached to theguitar 200.

FIGS. 11 and 12 showing another example embodiment of the portablespeaker system 600. In the description below, reference numerals whichare in common with those used with respect to the portable speakersystem 100 are considered to refer to elements which are the same orsimilar to those described in those embodiments.

The portable speaker system 600 comprises a guitar attachment mechanism114 that includes a button connector 640 which releasably attaches withstrap button 201 of the guitar 200 in a similar manner as describedabove. In the present embodiment, the button connector 640 comprisesenlarged portion 642 and a narrowed portion 644. The button connector640 further comprises a flared portion 646 for accommodating largersizes of strap buttons 201, and for ease of insertion of the strapbutton 201 into the enlarged portion 642. FIG. 12 illustrates a strapbutton 201 (with the guitar 200 omitted) received within the narrowedportion 644.

It will be understood by the person skilled in the art that variationsto the embodiments described herein may be made without departing fromthe scope of the invention. For example, a single speaker may be usedinstead of two, modifications to the shape of the housing 102 may bemade, modifications to the design of the mounting mechanism 150 forholding the portable computing device 300 may be made, the communicationinterface switch 184 may be omitted in place of an automated wirelessconnection, different elastic biasing means other than springs may beemployed, and different kinds of buttons, switches, ports, jacks, andperipherals of the portable speaker system may be employed. Furthermore,it is understood that circuitry in the portable speaker system has beenomitted for brevity, and that circuitry may be inferred to provide thefunctionality described herein, for example, the functionality of thevolume control knob 190 to control volume and the on/off state of theportable speaker system 100, and the circuitry of the electrical bypass176, and the audio signal pathways.

It is further contemplated that, in other embodiments of the system 100,other guitar attachment mechanisms 114 may be employed which attach thesystem 100 directly to body 202 of the guitar 200 without attaching witha strap button 201, such as by being clamped to the body 202 of theguitar 200, or the neck of the guitar 200, provided that the attachmentmechanism releasably attaches the system 100 to the guitar 200 withoutinterfering with a user's ability to play the guitar and inhibitsrotation of system 100 when the system 100 is attached to the guitar200.

The portable speaker system 100, 500, 600 of the present disclosure isattachable to an electric string instrument allowing the instrument tobe played without being tethered to an amplifier and speaker. A portablecomputing device 300 can be coupled with the portable speaker system100, 500, 600 for processing raw audio signals received from a guitar200 when played and for providing supplemental audio. The portablespeaker system 100, 500, 600 of the present disclosure enables a user toattach the portable speaker system to an electric string instrument oftheir choice and a portable computing device, and portably play theelectric string instrument, and have the raw audio signal from theguitar processed, modulated, or have supplementary audio added by theportable computing device, for output through the speakers.

The scope of the claims should not be limited by the embodiments setforth in the above examples, but should be given the broadestinterpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A portable speaker system for attachment toan electric string instrument, the portable speaker system comprising: ahousing comprising: an audio jack for receiving an audio plug, the audioplug providing a raw audio signal generated by the electric stringinstrument; an amplifier coupled to the audio jack and configured toreceive an audio signal and amplify the audio signal to generate anamplified audio signal, the audio signal comprising one of the raw audiosignal and a processed raw audio signal; a speaker coupled to theamplifier and configured to receive the amplified audio signal andgenerate output sound from the amplified audio signal; and a powersupply coupled to the amplifier and speaker for powering the amplifierand speaker; a button connector disposed on the housing, the buttonconnector configured to receive a strap button of the electric stringinstrument, the strap button extending outward from a body of theelectric string instrument, to attach the portable speaker system to thebody of the electric string instrument; and a stabilizer extending fromthe housing for inhibiting rotation of the portable speaker system whenthe portable speaker system is attached to the electric stringinstrument.
 2. The portable speaker system of claim 1, furthercomprising a supplementary audio connection configured to be coupled tothe amplifier and a portable computing device, the supplementary audioconnection for receiving a supplementary audio signal from the portablecomputing device, and wherein the amplifier is configured to receive theaudio signal comprising the raw audio signal and the supplementary audiosignal.
 3. The portable speaker system of claim 2, wherein thesupplementary audio connection comprises a wireless audio connection. 4.The portable speaker system of claim 1, wherein the portable speakersystem further comprises a supplementary audio connection configured tobe coupled to the amplifier and a portable computing device, thesupplementary audio connection for forwarding the raw audio signal tothe portable computing device for processing, and for receiving theprocessed raw audio signal from the portable computing device, andwherein the audio signal comprises the processed raw audio signal. 5.The portable speaker system of claim 4, wherein the portable speakersystem further comprises an electrical bypass for selectively providingone of the raw audio signal and the processed raw audio signal to theamplifier.
 6. The portable speaker system of claim 4, further comprisinga mounting mechanism attached to the housing of the portable speakersystem, the mounting mechanism including a holder for retaining theportable computing device therein.
 7. The portable speaker system ofclaim 6, wherein the mounting mechanism is detachable from the housingof the portable speaker system.
 8. The portable speaker system of claim6, wherein the mounting mechanism is integral with the stabilizer of theportable speaker system, and wherein the mounting mechanism extendsalong a portion of the body of the electric string instrument when theportable speaker system is attached to the electric string instrument.9. The portable speaker system of claim 1, wherein the button connectoris disposed on a bottom of the housing, the stabilizer is pivotallyconnected to the housing, the stabilizer is pivotable between an openposition in which the stabilizer overlaps a portion of the body of theelectric string instrument to inhibit rotation of the portable speakersystem when the portable speaker system is attached to the electricstring instrument, and a closed position in which the stabilizer isadjacent to the housing of the portable speaker system when the portablespeaker system is not attached to the electric string instrument. 10.The portable speaker system of claim 9, wherein the stabilizer iselastically biased against the portion of the body of the electricstring instrument when the portable speaker system is attached to theelectric string instrument.
 11. A portable speaker system for anelectric string instrument, the system comprising: a portable computingdevice; a portable speaker system for the electric string instrument,the portable speaker system comprising: a housing comprising: an audiojack for receiving an audio plug, the audio plug providing a raw audiosignal generated by the electric string instrument; an amplifier coupledto the audio jack and configured to receive an audio signal and amplifythe audio signal to generate an amplified audio signal, the audio signalcomprising one of the raw audio signal and a processed raw audio signal;a speaker coupled to the amplifier and configured to receive theamplified audio signal and generate output sound from the amplifiedaudio signal; and a power supply coupled to the amplifier and speakerfor powering the amplifier and speaker; an attachment mechanism forreleasably attaching the portable speaker system to the electric stringinstrument and for inhibiting rotation of the portable speaker systemwhen the portable speaker system is attached to the electric stringinstrument; a portable computing device mount extending from the housingof the portable speaker system for securing the portable computingdevice in fixed relation to the electric string instrument; and asupplementary audio connection configured to be coupled to the amplifierand the portable computing device, the supplementary audio connectionconfigured to: forward the raw audio signal generated by the electricstring instrument to the portable computing device for processing; andreceive the processed raw audio signal from the portable computingdevice; wherein the processed raw audio signal is generated by theportable computing device by processing at least the raw audio signalgenerated by the electric string instrument.
 12. The system of claim 11,wherein the attachment mechanism comprises: a button connector disposedon the housing for releasably attaching to a strap button of theelectric string instrument to attach the portable speaker system to abody of the electric string instrument; and a stabilizer extending fromthe portable speaker system for inhibiting rotation of the portablespeaker system when the portable speaker system is attached to theelectric string instrument.
 13. The system of claim 11, wherein theportable speaker system further comprises an electrical bypass forselectively providing one of the raw audio signal and the processed rawaudio signal to the amplifier.
 14. The system of claim 11, wherein theportable computing device mount is detachable from the housing of theportable speaker system.
 15. The system of claim 11, wherein thesupplementary audio connection comprises a wireless audio connection.16. The system of claim 12, wherein the housing of the portable speakersystem comprises a first side facing toward the strap button of theelectric string instrument when the portable speaker system is attachedto the electric string instrument, the button connector being disposedon the first side of the housing, the supporting member being pivotallyconnected to the housing, the supporting member being pivotable betweenan open position in which the supporting member overlaps a portion ofthe body of the electric string instrument to inhibit rotation of theportable speaker system when the portable speaker system is attached tothe electric string instrument, and a closed position in which thesupporting member is adjacent to the housing of the portable speakersystem when the portable speaker system is not attached to the electricstring instrument.